What is Open Hiring?
Open hiring is a type of recruiting method in which the first person who applies gets the job. Basically, first in, first hired. This means no resumes, no interviews, no background checks. Therefore, the business will be hiring without considering candidate experience, past records or educational background.
The goal of open hiring is to create opportunities for those who face challenges in finding employment in the workforce. This method really benefits those who have a criminal record, are homeless, have a lack of work experience or simply a fear of job interviews, as well as those with disabilities. There is no judgement, and that gives those with barriers a chance to prove themselves as a worker.
The Benefits of Open Hiring
So why are companies taking on this style of recruitment? To some it may seem like a risky move, however, there are many benefits for both employers and employees alike.
Bigger Candidate Pool
With fewer requirements, the candidate pool is much larger. Without demanding a degree or level of previous experience, the readily available candidates dramatically increase. For a company, having a large talent pool is especially desirable, especially when trying to fill entry-level positions where people can be easily trained.
Greater Diversity
Naturally, by decreasing requirements, the diversity of a company is inclined to increase. If you hire in order of applicants, then you are likely to come across a range of people from different walks of life. This ultimately has a positive impact on society. For those who are often overlooked or disqualified in the early stages of recruitment processes, attaining a job is a chance to really turn their life around.
Reduced Bias
Typical recruitment processes involve a lot of bias, whether that is conscious or unconscious. Open hiring takes away a lot of that bias, as well as the subconscious bias of interviewers.
Disadvantages of Open Hiring
Just like anything, there are also disadvantages that come with this type of hiring process.
Safety Risks
Cutting out background checks and references increases risk. For roles that involve close interaction with other employees and customers, it seems reasonable that employers may want to know about past experiences such as a criminal record. A simple background check can go a long way in some situations.
Different types of Bias
While it seems that open hiring eliminates human bias, another bias often replaces it. In these situations, some people are penalised for circumstantial reasons such as not having access to technology or transport. It is important to note, that even though you are given the opportunity to work on a first in, first hired basis, there is still a probationary period in which you need to show that you are a capable and confident worker.
There are many companies that undertake open hiring, so next time you are on job search, be sure to check the description carefully to see if they are open hiring. For those who are struggling to enter into the workforce, then you should take full advantage of these initiatives.